Nigeria is gearing up to stop the spread of anthrax after cases were reported at a livestock farm north-west of the capital, Abuja.
The outbreak was confirmed by the agricultural ministry after symptoms of the disease were discovered at a farm in Gajiri, along the Abuja-Kaduna motorway, in Niger state.
The farm, which has cattle, sheep, goats and poultry, has been placed under quarantine, and 50,000 doses of anthrax vaccine have been sent to the area.
Anthrax primarily affects livestock animals. Humans can also be infected when they come into direct contact with infected animals or consume products from them.
It is caused by Bacillus anthracis and largely survives as spores that hide away in soil for years before entering an animal through a cut or wound.
Clinical signs of anthrax in animals include sudden death and bleeding from the nose, mouth and anal region.
The government is encouraging livestock owners, farmers and the public to remain vigilant and report any other suspected cases.
It also urged farmers to avoid slaughtering sick animals as this could expose people to anthrax spores.
Anthrax can be treated with antibiotics but treatment needs to start soon after infection. No human exposure has been reported so far.
Many communities, mostly in northern Nigeria, depend on livestock farming and herding for their livelihoods, supplying meat to the rest of the country.
Latest Stories
-
Amerado falls after stage collapses during performance
2 mins -
Akosombo Dam: JoyNews highlights victims’ harsh living conditions post-spillage
2 mins -
World Safety Day: Zoomlion addresses the impact of climate change on occupational safety
35 mins -
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs seeks to toss portion of sexual assault civil suit
41 mins -
We’ve saved $57.9m from procurement of BVDs, BVRs – EC insists
42 mins -
Catholics hail Bawumia for religious diversity after visit to Pope Francis
48 mins -
We’ll address all internal issues before December polls – Stephen Ntim assures NPP
51 mins -
NPA boss re-elected as President of African Refiners and Distributors Association
1 hour -
Today’s front pages: Monday, April 29, 2024
1 hour -
Ejisu by-election: I’m not an NDC member; address internal issues bothering your members – Aduomi to NPP
1 hour -
Ghana among top African countries with highest Schengen Visa rejection rates
1 hour -
‘We have missed him for months’ – Arteta on Thomas Partey
2 hours -
Togo heads to polls amid tensions over law reform
2 hours -
Nigerians excited over Harry and Meghan’s planned visit
2 hours -
‘We are sorry but we need to stay calm’ – Andre Ayew on Black Stars recent form
2 hours